Charles Barkley
In 1984, the Philadelphia 76ers drafted Charles Barkley with the No. 5 overall pick. Prior to his NBA debut, the Alabama native spent three years at Auburn University where he still holds the school record for his field goal percentage (62.6%). Barkley joined the NBA All-Rookie First Team in his first year with the 76ers. After eight seasons of learning from Philadelphia greats like Julius Erving, Maurice Cheeks, and Moses Malone, the power forward became the NBA MVP in 1993 with the Phoenix Suns.
Along the way, Barkley represented the U.S. at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, winning two gold medals. The 11-time All-Star eventually played for Houston Rockets, rounding out his 16-year NBA career as the Round Mound of Rebound. Since his retirement in 2000, Barkley has had a successful career as an NBA commentator, earning four Sports Emmy Awards for his work on TNT.
- Birthday: February 20, 1963
- Hometown: Leeds, Alabama
- College: Auburn University
- Height: 6’6″
- Spouse: Maureen Blumhardt (m. 1989)
- Children: Christiana Barkley
- Jersey: No. 34 (Phoenix Suns) and No. 32 (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Number of NBA championship wins: 0
- Number of NBA championship appearances: 1 (1993)
Visit Charles Barkley’s profile on Basketball-Reference.com.
Read the latest articles about Charles Barkley:
A rookie Tim Duncan left an indelible mark on Charles Barkley the first time the Hall of Fame power forwards shared the same floor.
Scottie Pippen’s recent crusade against Michael Jordan suggests he never considered MJ a friend or confidant off the floor, but Pip’s history with the Houston Rockets and Charles Barkley suggests otherwise.
Charles Barkley has adamantly criticized Ben Simmons during his ongoing saga with the Philadelphia 76ers. Interestingly, Chuck knows what it’s like to be frustrated with team management in Philly.
Charles Barkley and the rest of the Dream Team engaged in ferocious competition during training camp in Monte Carlo ahead of the 1992 Olympic Games. But they also had free time to spend by the pool, where Barkley quickly learned never to drink beers with Larry Bird. He also had a hilarious mischaracterization of Budweiser.
Draymond Green wanted to rip Charles Barkley to shreds before the two became good friends.
Charles Barkley helped Draymond Green rediscover his passion for the game of basketball.
NBA legend Charles Barkley is known for having an outspoken personality on TNT; he says whatever is on his mind, which makes for great television on ‘Inside the NBA.’ However, it appears he might actually get his bluntness from his grandmother, who would call and brutally criticize him after games.
Charles Barkley was blunt as usual when offering his thoughts on Celtics fans back in 1986.
Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and the rest of the “Inside the NBA” crew never hold back from roasting one another or even making jokes at their own expense. Barkley had a hilarious description of The Jet’s role with the Houston Rockets during a halftime segment in May, calling him Hakeem Olajuwon’s water boy..
Charles Barkley and Julius Erving had entirely different responses when the team was blasted by owner Harold Katz after a win in 1985.
